Categories
Columns about Contracts & Procedures
133–144 of 215
In rental agreements, landlords cannot refuse renewal or demand eviction without proper cause. This article explains the standards for judging proper cause, typical relocation compensation amounts, how to work with attorneys, and how foreign residents can address common issues.
Unauthorized entry by landlords or property management companies into rental units is illegal. This guide explains the legal basis, exceptions where unauthorized entry may be permitted, how to refuse entry, whether you can change locks, and how to handle cases where you have been wronged.
A legal perspective on tenant rights in Japanese rentals. Detailed explanation of repair request rights, the right to file noise complaints, defenses against improper eviction demands, and rights that foreign residents should know.
A detailed guide on how to terminate a rental lease early. Learn about penalty fee conditions, correct notice period calculations, optimal moving timing, and special procedures for foreign residents returning to their home countries.
Security deposit disputes at move-out are among the most common rental issues. This guide explains the scope of tenant liability for restoration to original condition, how to identify improper charges by management companies, and the concrete steps for filing objections.
While the legal limit for rental agency fees is one month's rent plus consumption tax, more companies are now offering lower rates. This guide covers calculation methods, conditions for free fees, negotiation strategies, and the risks of zero-fee agencies.
Learn negotiation strategies to reduce or waive renewal fees on 2-year lease renewals, and understand the differences between fixed-term and standard leases. This guide covers the legal nature of renewal fees, regional variations, and successful negotiation examples.
This guide explains concrete solutions to the biggest obstacle for foreigners renting in Japan—the joint guarantor requirement. We compare the screening criteria and appropriate uses of three foreign-specialist guarantor companies: GTN, Oricom Forrent Insure, and ROOM iD.
In 2026, rental properties and services that require neither a guarantor nor a guarantor company are increasing. We comprehensively compare guarantor-free options including UR rental housing, public housing, share houses, and monthly mansions.
A comprehensive guide explaining the steps foreign nationals take to secure a rental contract in Japan. Covers required documents, screening criteria by visa status, how to choose a guarantor company, and tips for passing occupancy screening—usable from before arrival in Japan.
Japan's "key money" is a unique custom that's often puzzling to foreigners. This guide covers the historical background of key money, current market rates, regional differences, how to find properties without key money, and negotiation strategies for waiving it.
An English-language guide to specialized rental terms found in Japanese lease agreements. We provide complete bilingual explanations of 20 key terms that confuse foreign renters most, including security deposits, key money, agency fees, maintenance fees, joint guarantors, and restoration to original condition.
